Answer:
See below.
Step-by-step explanation:
This fantasy tells the story of Robert Proctor who, while taking a driver's test under an advanced form of hypnosis, experiences a terrible accident. Although, he behaves responsibly, he is denied his license and is taken away by the authorities.
The story has a double plot structure - in two different times, two different state of mind, namely the accident that Robert experiences under the state of hypnosis, and one in the driver's testing center.
Technique employed by the author to create different moods in the story - uses short sentences to create tension, urgency and fast action, while long sentences are put in to slow the pace and create a more thoughtful atmosphere.
The characters consist of:
Robert's Proctor, Robert's Mom, Uniformed Men, Test Giver, and a Little Girl.
Point of view/setting:
- Setting: Out on the road in his imagination.
- 3rd person.
Plot structure:
- Exposition: Introduces the main problem
- Rising Action: Robert crashed head on to a car. The passenger and a girl are left motionless in the other car.
- Climax: Robert awakens from hypnosis
- Falling Action: Robert remembers about what happened during hypnosis and pays his $10 fee
- Resolution: Robert ends up not getting his license and is taken away
Theme:
- The story explores the theme of the ethics of the state to control the citizens over rights. The blue uniform and men with coats symbolize the group of government officials trying to exhibit their ability and technology to control the mind of Robert Proctor under an advanced form of hypnosis, and make him experience a terrible accident. Although Robert Proctor behaves responsibly, he is denied his license and he is taken away by the authorities.
"Test" is a short story about people's need for power. The power of being that to control other's ideas, opinions and self identity, through fear of divergence and government control. From the moment Robert Proctor wakes up from his hypnosis, the reader sees the foundation of the world his is living is based on control. The act of hypnosis itself is someone going into your mind and telling you exactly what to do.
Symbolism abounds in this short story: one in particular is that of the man in the blue uniform. The uniform symbolizes police and government dominance. However "Test" shows us that it is the government that is in control. In this story the government is like a "Dictator". The theme of the story is revealed in the final interchange between Robert and the uniform man.